What business did Herman Hollerith originally create?

Herman Hollerith originally created the Tabulating Machine Company, which played a significant role in the development of data processing technologies. His invention of a mechanical tabulator, which utilized punched cards for data input, was revolutionary for its time. This technology was notably applied during the 1890 U.S. Census, drastically reducing the time needed to process census data. The successes of his company ultimately contributed to the formation of IBM, as it merged with other companies and expansion efforts in the following years.

Understanding the context of Hollerith's work highlights how early innovations in data processing laid the groundwork for modern computing. The emphasis on "Tabulating" reflects the specific technology he designed and popularized, distinguishing it from other potential business options related to broader data management or statistical services.